Cascade de Glandieu: a natural treasure to explore in the Ain region

An emblematic site in the Ain welcomes nature lovers to the heart of the Bugey region. It's the Cascade de Glandieu. This natural treasure captivates the eye with its waters soaring majestically to a height of several meters. Over 80,000 visitors from all over the world admire this grandiose spectacle every year.

We proudly suggest it to holidaymakers who choose to stay at La Bruyère campsite in the Chartreuse massif.

This tourist destination is easily accessible, just 45 minutes from the campsite.

It promises a wealth of discoveries for visitors. In this guide, you'll find all the information you need before coming to visit this little (or rather big!) wonder of the Aindenne region.

The Cascade de Glandieu, a listed site of great heritage value

Let's start with its identity card. It's a tourist site that will receive the Espace Naturel Sensible label in May 2019. With a surface area of 111.65 hectares, it is located in the communes of Brégnier-Cordon and Groslée-Saint-Benoît, in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France. 

The Espace Naturel Sensible ENS comprises 4 components, including the Glandieu waterfall, the Morte de Glandieu, the surrounding wetlands and alluvial zones, and the cliff to the east. 

• • The waterfall is really the highlight of this site. It marks the transition from the Gland, the small river upstream, to the Rhône. 

• • Further south, the site continues with the Morte de Glandieu, an ancient river arm revealing the past dynamism of the Rhône River. 

• • The site then extends into wetlands and alluvial zones, where a variety of plant and animal species have taken refuge. 

• • The route ends at the cliff to the east, which adds further scenic diversity to the already picturesque site. 

If the Glandieu waterfall is classified as an ENS, it's for good reason: 

• • Landscape and ecological diversity

• • Remarkable biodiversity

• • Its unique panorama 

The aim of the department's ENS classification of the site is to preserve and protect it. The aim is to preserve its natural beauty for us and for future generations. The Ain department is responsible for managing this corner of nature. Like most ENS sites, the Glandieu waterfall is open to the public. 

Features of the Glandieu waterfall 

The Cascade de Glandieu is impressive for its sheer size. It consists of two successive waterfalls whose total height exceeds 60 meters. Its width, however, varies with the seasons. 

In summer, when water flows are less abundant. The waterfall may appear narrower. But in spring or autumn, when the rivers swell with fresh rain, it's a completely different landscape! The waters fill the air with a palpable natural energy. 

The site's scenery is nothing short of majestic, with waterfalls, cliffs, caves and lush vegetation. The site offers a visual and aural spectacle that leaves no visitor indifferent.

Remarkable ecological wealth 

Much more than just a waterfall, this is a sanctuary for a wide variety of flora and fauna. You'll come across some very beautiful species. 

A rich and diverse fauna

The Cascade de Glandieu is a vital habitat for a host of animals. The site's inhabitants include an impressive variety of chiropterans. Species include the European barbastelle, petit and grand murin, grand and petit rhinolophe. Are these names unfamiliar to you? They are winged acrobats known by the common name of bats, and are particularly fond of underground cavities and rocks as a refuge. 

Glandieu Falls is also a haven for birds. You may come across the dipper, a member of the Cinclidae family, in the clear waters of the river. There are also kingfishers, great horned owls and the bird of prey known as the circaète Jean-le-Blanc. Peregrine colonies are also present. 

Interested in aquatic life? The depths of the cascade are home to a large population of freshwater fish. The bouvière (Rhodeus sericeus) is one such species. It can be recognized by its sparkling silvery coat and greenish-grey back. The Cascade's waters are also home to the Pond Loche (Misgumus fossilis). This species has fins at the back of its body and an elongated body.  

Even molluscs have their place here. Notable among them is the dwarf planorba, a delicate little creature last seen in 2005. These species, large and small, all play an essential role in the ecological balance of the Cascade de Glandieu. They are responsible for the biological richness and beauty of the site.

A rich and remarkable flora 

In every nook and cranny of the Cascade de Glandieu, a veritable diversity of flora also flourishes. Among the plants lining the cliffs is the delicate Capillaire de Montpellier, whose slender fronds sway in the wind. Carpets of white flax-leavedIberis also brighten up the rock faces.

In the wetter areas, botany lovers will marvel at the wild Pistachio terebinth with its red berries and evergreen foliage. Other treasures also thrive in the calm waters of the Cascade. These include the frog's-bit (morene) and the Hydrocharis, both of which produce magnificent flowers in summer. 

On the banks, sedge spreads its slender leaves, offering shelter to small marsh creatures. Among the emerging grasses, you can also spot Marsh Hottonia, whose pale pink flowers attract foraging insects.

Submerged Ceratophyllum is also present. Its soft, light-green leaves grow on the surface of the water, providing shelter for a variety of aquatic organisms. On the ground near the waterfall, you may also come across ranunculus, a bulbous flower much used in floral arrangements.

What activities are available for visitors to the Cascade de Glandieu? 

A visit to the Cascade de Glandieu offers a range of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Here are a few suggestions: 

Cascade de Glandieu hiking 

This activity can be enjoyed solo or in a group. The idea is to hike or cycle to the waterfall via the famous ViaRhôna cycle route . This route offers total immersion in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. For family travelers, the Balme to Groslée section is ideal for bike rides. This trail stretches over 26km on a greenway.

Follow the water trail 

This 7-kilometer route, stretching from the village of Brégnier-Cordon to the hamlet of Glandieu, invites you to explore the waterfall and the various ecosystems that surround it from several perspectives.

Taking souvenir photos 

Passionate about wildlife or natural landscape photography? Every corner of the site offers a magnificent scene that you can immortalize with your camera or smartphone. Even an amateur photographer is capable of capturing images worthy of postcards, so breathtaking is the site.

Cool off in a nearby body of water

After a day of adventure, if you need a refresher, there's a lake close to the hamlet of Glandieu. Swimming is supervised and access is free. The site also includes picnic areas if you want to relax. Standing barbecues are permitted. Fishing is also possible in part of the lake.